Napapiirit

Napapiiri, in Finnish, refers to the Arctic Circle, the major line of latitude that marks roughly 66°33′ north of the equator. It is an imaginary circle that encircles the Earth and serves as the southern boundary of the Arctic region. The exact position can vary slightly due to the Earth’s shape, but it is commonly described as approximately 66.5 degrees north.

The Arctic Circle passes through eight countries: the United States (Alaska), Canada, Greenland (Denmark), Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. In Europe, the line crosses Finnish Lapland, where the term Napapiiri is widely used in both geography and tourism. The area around the circle includes notable landmarks such as Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, which is marketed as a gateway to Arctic experiences.

Climatically, the region experiences polar day in summer and polar night in winter. Within the circle there are periods with continuous daylight and periods with continuous darkness, the exact duration depending on latitude and season. The daylight regime becomes increasingly extreme the farther north along the line.

No political status attaches to the Napapiiri; it is a geographical concept used in science, education, and tourism. In Finnish-language references, Napapiiri is common and is often associated with the identity of Finland’s Lapland region and its Arctic attractions.